When you arrive in Turkey as an immigrant, things can be a bit complicated at first, especially when you want to change your immigration status. When I first arrived, I went door-to-door many times trying to change from student status to work status. Fortunately, it is now much easier to understand this process step by step. Here’s what you need to know about immigration status change in Turkey.
What is Immigration Status in Turkey?
In Turkey, immigration status is a legal definition that determines what rights and obligations foreign nationals have in the country. Some of the most common statuses are student, work, family residence and investor residence permits. Status affects how long you can stay in Turkey and what activities you can carry out.
For example, when I first arrived, I had a student residence permit, which only allowed me to continue my studies and work for a limited number of hours. But when I found a job, I had to change my status to a work permit. Otherwise, I would not be able to work legally and could face criminal sanctions.
For more information, you can visit the official website of the Department of Migration Management of the Republic of Turkey or check out our article dedicated to international students in Turkey Department of Migration Management in Turkey: Services for International Students.
Status Change Application Process: Step by Step
Applications for a change of status in Turkey are usually submitted to the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management. Applications for immigration status change in Turkey are usually submitted to the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management. Applications are received online through the e-residency system of the Migration Management. However, simply completing the process online is often not enough; you may need to physically submit your documents and attend an appointment.
The first time I applied, my application was rejected due to lack of documents. It is therefore important to be prepared for the application for immigration status. The basic documents required for the application are:
- Passport photocopy and original
- Current biometric photo
- Health insurance policy
- Supporting documents appropriate to your new status (e.g. employment contract or student certificate)
After you apply, your documents are reviewed and the result is usually announced within a few weeks. It is very common for the process to be delayed or the application to be rejected due to missing documents or incorrect information.
Transition from Student Status to Working Status
If you are a student in Turkey and want to work here after graduation, you need to change your status. It is not legally possible to work full-time as a student.
In my experience, I had to apply for a work permit with my employer immediately after receiving my graduation certificate. You apply for a work permit through the Ministry of Labor and Social Security’s online system. Your employer also has some obligations during the application process, such as SSI registration and employment contract.
After the employer’s approval and the necessary documents are completed, you submit your application to the Migration Management. You usually receive a response within 1-2 months. Once the work permit is approved, your student residence permit expires and you receive a new residence permit document.
It can be helpful to have the support of a good lawyer or advisor along the way, as the procedure is both complex and constantly being updated.
Status Change Options for Investors
If you want to invest in Turkey to build your business and stay for the long term, investor immigration status can offer great advantages for you. Turkey has various residency and citizenship programs for foreign investors.
A friend of mine first came with a student residence permit and later became an investor by opening a restaurant. After establishing his business, he obtained a work permit and applied for a family residence permit for his family.
The most common ways to change to investor status are:
- Residence permit by investment: Applying for immigration status by investing a certain amount as a foreign investor.
- Work permit: Getting permission to work in your own business by establishing a company.
These applications usually require documents such as approval certificates from the Ministry of Finance or the Ministry of Trade, company annual reports and bank statements. The process of status change through investment can take a little longer than others. So getting counseling will definitely make things easier.
For more information, please visit Investment Office’s website.
Change of Status through Family Reunification
If you want to live with your family in Turkey, a change of status through family reunification is for you. This is especially for those who want to stay with their spouse, children or parents. After my cousin started working here, he applied for a family residence permit to bring his wife. Although the process took a little longer than expected, they eventually started living together.
The following documents are usually required when applying for family reunification:
- Residence permit or work permit of the family member legally residing in Turkey
- Documents showing family ties (e.g. marriage certificate or birth certificate)
- Health insurance
- Housing information and income declaration
Applications are made to the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management and can be tracked through the e-residency system. A family reunification residence permit is usually granted for 1 year on the first application and can be extended in the following years.
Result
Changing immigration status in Turkey may be easier than you think, as long as you submit your documents in full and on time. In addition, getting professional support and researching the processes in advance prevents you from making mistakes.
Take a look at Road to Study’s consultancy services to get one step closer to your dream in Turkey and make the process easier.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the new rules for residence permits in Turkey?
For real estate-based permits, the minimum property value is now $200,000 nationwide. Health insurance must be from a licensed Turkish company. Face-to-face interviews are more common, and all first-time applications must be submitted online.
What is change of immigration status?
Change of immigration status, or adjustment of status, is the process of obtaining a new legal status, such as a residence permit, while already residing in a country. This allows you to avoid leaving and re-entering to complete the process.
Can you go back to Turkey after being deported?
Yes, it is possible to return to Turkey after being deported, but it depends on the reason for your deportation. The entry ban may be revoked legally, often by applying for an annotated visa.
How many types of residence permits are there in Turkey?
There are several types of residence permits in Turkey, including short-term, family, student, long-term, and humanitarian residence permits, as well as those for victims of human trafficking.
What happens when you are deported from Turkey?
Deportation from Turkey results in an entry ban, which can last for a specific period. You may also face fines, and future visa applications to Turkey will be more difficult.
How long can you come back after being deported?
The length of the entry ban after deportation varies depending on the reason for deportation. It can range from a few months to several years.
How long does it take to change immigration status?
The time it takes to change immigration status varies. It depends on the type of permit you are applying for and the workload of the migration authorities.
How much is it to change immigration status?
The cost of changing immigration status includes application fees, health insurance, and card fees. These costs can vary based on the type of permit and your age.
What documents are needed for change of status?
Required documents typically include a valid passport, biometric photos, proof of address, proof of sufficient financial means, and valid health insurance. Additional documents may be needed depending on the permit type.